Untitled (toddler in armchair, leaning against arm of chair and looking up) after 1940

This untitled photograph of a toddler in an armchair was created by Paul Gittings, and is now part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. The composition immediately draws our attention to the child, who is positioned off-center and gazing upwards. The high-backed armchair, with its dominant vertical lines, frames the small figure, emphasizing the child's vulnerability and innocence. The contrasting textures of the soft fabric of the chair and the smooth skin of the child create a tactile tension. The stark black and white palette removes any distraction of color, focusing instead on the interplay of light and shadow. This formal choice evokes a sense of timelessness, inviting the viewer to contemplate broader themes of youth and perception. The upward gaze suggests a sense of wonder, while the child's placement within the oversized chair speaks to themes of scale and perspective. This work invites us to consider the subjective nature of seeing.